Ep 3. Pompeii's Doomsday Mummies

In this episode of Unearthed, we head to the tragic city of Pompeii, Italy, where in AD 79, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the city and its inhabitants in layers of ash, pumice, and rock. While many of the city's citizens were able to flee the disaster, scientists have discovered over the years that some did not make it out alive.

Following the eruption, researchers believe that large amounts of volcanic debris and heat caused the bodies of some of the city's residents to be instantly vaporized. This phenomenon left behind body-shaped cavities in the ash, which were discovered by archaeologists in the mid-19th century.

However, in recent years, researchers have begun using advanced imaging techniques to explore these cavities in more detail. In Pompeii's Doomsday Mummies, we follow a team of scientists as they use specially designed cameras to penetrate the ash and capture detailed 3D images of the bodies that once lay beneath it.

These state-of-the-art cameras, known as muography devices, use the natural muons that rain down from space to generate high-resolution images of otherwise inaccessible spaces. By analyzing these 3D images, the researchers hope to uncover new clues about the lives and deaths of some of Pompeii's residents.

In addition to exploring the body-shaped cavities left behind by the disaster, the team also investigates the charcoal marks left behind by the pyroclastic surges that swept through the city. These devastating waves of heat and debris moved at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and were responsible for killing many of the city's inhabitants.

Through the use of multi-spectral photography and 3D scanning, the team is able to map out the extent of the surge and better understand its impact on the city and its residents. By studying the distribution of the charcoal marks and related artifacts, they hope to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the disaster and gain insights into how the city's people lived and died in its final moments.

As the researchers move deeper into the ash layers, they must be careful not to damage the delicate remains or disturb any evidence that could provide valuable insights into the disaster. Working with a team of experts, including archeologists, volcanologists, and engineers, they navigate this complex and dangerous environment to uncover the secrets that Pompeii's Doomsday Mummies have to offer.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of archaeology and uncover the mysteries of one of history's greatest natural disasters in Unearthed season 4, episode 3 – Pompeii's Doomsday Mummies.